Julie-- I agree with you about never turning down work because there is no money.
I agree with Harrison about receiving some value (monetary or other) in exchange, as a way of increasing the participant's commitment. With individuals, I just offer what help I can. Sometimes there is some exchange and sometimes not. Many people have helped me with great generosity throughout my life. When discussing a project with not-for-profit organizations, I have learned to ask, "Do you have a budget for this, or are you asking for a donation?" I am willing to do it either way, but it is nice to be clear about the terms, and relieves the client's anxiety about whether they should be offering a fee. With for-profit or public organizations, the first meeting is to discover whether there is any match between what they are looking for and what I can contribute. If they are excited about moving ahead with the project, I am prepared to talk about the time needed and the rate. The time of internal people needed for the project is almost always a bigger concern (and cost) than consulting fees. I often bring up the subject of fees because many people, including heads of big organizations, find the subject awkward. Once they know they want to do the project, fees are almost a non-issue. I try to find enough paying work to support me in contributing my time to causes I'd like to support, and pay a few bills along the way. Seems to keep on working. Joelle * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
